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Best Dispersed Camping near St. Ignatius, MT

84 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas surround St. Ignatius, Montana, particularly in the nearby national forests where several free primitive sites can be found without facilities or designated campgrounds. Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry, Lake Elsina, Lake Marshall, and Boulder Lake Backcountry Site all permit free dispersed camping. Most of these areas fall within Lolo National Forest land, where primitive camping is permitted on public land away from developed recreation sites. The region features multiple lakeside options where campers can set up at unmarked spots along forest roads or at hike-in locations that require more effort to access but offer greater seclusion.

Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching Lake Elsina and Lake Marshall, as reviews mention steep grades and narrow access points. Most areas have no amenities - no drinking water, toilets, or trash service - requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with restrictions commonly in place during summer months. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period on most public lands in the region, though enforcement is minimal in remote areas. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with better coverage at higher elevation sites.

The dispersed camping experience near St. Ignatius varies from lakeside spots to forest settings. Wildlife sightings are common, including moose near water sources and various bird species. Many sites feature established stone fire rings from previous visitors, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before planning to have campfires. Lake Marshall receives particular praise from regular visitors for its scenic setting. "One of our families all time favorites if you can get there early enough to get a spot! Only 1 site on the lake shore, 2-3 other sites scattered along the road," noted one reviewer about Lake Marshall. Fishing opportunities exist at many of the water-adjacent sites, with access to creeks and lakes being a primary draw for outdoor enthusiasts seeking free camping options.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near St. Ignatius, Montana (23)

    1. Lucifer Lake Wilderness Backcountry

    1 Review
    St. Ignatius, MT
    8 miles
    Website

    "Nonresident reservation conservation permit required, available at fwp.mt.gov

    Accessed by mission falls trailhead, trail is steep and unmaintained after you reach the waterfall."

    2. Lake Elsina - Dispersed

    1 Review
    Seeley Lake, MT
    19 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely gorgeous undeveloped area! If you can stand the hordes of mosquitos and constant trail of hikers coming through the area hiking to Lake Dinah."

    3. Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Alberton, MT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 626-5201

    "The GPS coordinates listed on the map are spot on, and the turn-off comes up quickly. There look to be 4 spots. I used the one right by the road turn off."

    "3 sites in a beautiful spot, about 5 minutes off the highway. We pulled in about 7pm and we were the only ones there."

    4. Lake Marshall

    1 Review
    Seeley Lake, MT
    21 miles
    Website

    "Only 1 site on the lake shore, 2-3 other sites scattered along the road in not as ideal but not that far. Great hiking just a little drive away along an old forest service road."

    5. Boulder Lake Backcountry Site

    1 Review
    Arlee, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3814

    "Awesome lakento hike into, best accessed during summer after snow has melted."

    6. Muchwater Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    35 miles

    "A nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock"

    "Stunning views, several sites to choose from, some have access to the river. The road conditions are wonderful—towed a 20 ft trailer. Some spots are more open to use Starlink."

    7. Blair Flats

    14 Reviews
    Flathead National Forest, MT
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 758-5208

    "Also was a place for a tent by the river and two other dispersed sites, again suited for overnight, as there are no facilities."

    "Lovely little campsite next to the water. A little buggy but not too bad. Campsites we’re clean, had a fire pit and nice flat tent area, pit toilet on site too which was a nice surprise."

    8. Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3750

    "Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.

    We stayed mid week during August."

    "Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site."

    9. Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Paradise, MT
    35 miles
    Website

    "Lovely dispersed camping area. Very pretty. We stayed for a night and were in good company."

    "A couple of times they rolled thru at 2am but all the positives outweigh getting woken up a few times. 

    Very easy access, two pit toilets in the camping area."

    10. Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Lolo, MT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 329-3814

    "This area allows disperse camping Beyond a certain point (there is a small sign). There is a map provided at the road trailhead. However it is confusing since I believe the map is upside down."

    "I got a flat tire going up so be careful of sharp rocks. The pin is at just a pull off on the side of the road. Drive another mile or so until a corner then take a trail on the side."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near St. Ignatius, MT

47 Photos of 23 St. Ignatius Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. Ignatius, MT

84 Reviews of 23 St. Ignatius Campgrounds

  • H
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping

    Mining ghost town for day or overnight

    Many states out west allow dispersed camping on select public lands owned by the Bureau of Land management. You need to pick up a map of exactly where you’re allowed to camp (there are no facilities, obviously). You can also rent “cabins” which are buildings from before the building became ghosted (but have been updated). Even if you don’t want to camp you can tour the town and have a surreal afternoon imagining what it’d be like to be a miner back in the day.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    dispersed camping

    first dispersed camping spot for Lolo from the entry road for this Forest Service land entry. Just cross the bridge, and be careful of high water (signs stating it's impassable 100 yards past the photo of the bridge when high water.) The grey area is public land the white square at the end of the road is private property by the map legend. 

    maps attached are screenshots from the National Forest Service online map as of Sept. 8th, 2023.

    The dots show where dispersed camping is allowed for this spot.

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    No bugs, good shade, right off highway

    A nice free spot right off the highway. Has a pit toilet, almost no bugs, nice pine tree shade, good dirt roads. Some trees are very sappy so be wary if setting up a hammock

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Informal Dispersed Campsite at Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park

    Big Spot adjacent to the road, Good if in a pinch

    Sign says camping permitted to 14 days in a 30 day period. Adjacent to dirt road with a few trees in between. Not the most private but a good option if you need a place for the night if the nearby campsite is full. No amenities. T-mobile cell service is good here.

    River access just at the entry of the turn in. Could easily pull a big rig in but may have a hard time turning it around as there is not a pull through. There is a concrete slab that is level and about 12'x25' in size  which could be good for a trailer or van without having to do much for leveling. Many vehicles/tents could fit here in the dirt area but would likely be comfortable for a single group rather than multiple camp groups.

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Quiet open site on the river

    Dispersed camping at the "Peninsula" Recreation Area. 6 day stay limit according to the sign. No potable water. Stone fire rings throughout.

    We stayed mid week during August. Stayed in a medium sized site on the river. Small steep slope to the water.

    Pros:
    Plenty of space, both large and small sites. Room for a 30' in a couple of the sites. 3 bars Tmobile. Some sites on the water with a short steep slope down. 12 miles to gas station. Beautiful views.

    Cons: No pit toilets (edit: another camper said they are at the end of the campground) No potable water. Road/train noise. POISON IVY (found it... found all of it)

    Overall we loved this spot. Being ok the water in a mostly private setting with such amazing views is our goal. Little bit of road noise but hardly noticeable over the wind in the trees.

    Sites were clean but well used, so thank you to all the campers that took care of this place!

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Dispersed Campground and Recreation Area

    It’s okay, don’t believe the hype

    Easy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.

    You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common

    Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Muchwater Recreation Area

    This is an okay place, don’t believe the hype

    Easy to get to. Can park a decent size rv in some spots and group camp in s couple. There are only a few spots thought.

    You have to “walk down” a steep drop to access the river. When it’s high don’t try or say goodbye. Train runs often across the river and will disrupt your night unless you live in Montana then you’re already used to it. The toilets are stocked but not cleaned regularly. There was a you g lonely moose crossing the river and sleeping in the camp at night during my stay. If you’re not from Montana expect those that are to be unfriendly, that’s a thing here. Fire pits are a joke and burn band are common

    Details: Free up to 14 days No water or trash Easy 15 min drive to St Regis, supplies and tourists traps aplenty Expect people to just ignore you as they walk right through your site to access the river Sheep can be seen across the river sometimes Pics are better than reality Uncomfortable atmosphere

  • Reames C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo

    Very sunny and exposed spots, unsure if legal, but great river access

    Not for low clearance vehicles, it’s not far off the highway but we struggled with the two narrow bridges with tight turns in our travel trailer and then there’s a large flood way dip in the road that you can bottom out on. Unsure if this was legal camping as there are no defined spots and limited pull offs. Felt like I was looking over my shoulder for a ranger. Most everything is exposed to direct sunlight so it gets HOT in the summer. Our AC did not even budge the temps sometimes. Good fishing access and a cool area to visit. We overnighted here a couple nights before going to ekstrom which is before this place when getting off the highway and has power and water for a recharge day.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Lolo National Forest Recreation Area

    Easy, peaceful and beautiful

    So gorgeous! Tent camped along the river! Very spaced out campsites, nice for lots of privacy and quiet! Signs to be aware of bear country but took precautions. Rock fire pits at each site. Super easy for quick stop road tripping (0.5 miles off main road)! Stayed in early September on a road trip to Glacier, was able to find our site decently well in the dark! Verizon cell service 3-4 bars! Loved it!

    The west is the only safe way to enter onto the road to the campsites. On the map, it looks like you can enter/exit either way from 135… but the east side of the road to get back onto 135 is impossible… so we just had to turn around and exit the same way we came in (from the west).

Guide to St. Ignatius

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near St. Ignatius, Montana, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wild.

Dispersed campers should check out Lake Elsina

  • The Lake Elsina - Dispersed area offers breathtaking views and a rugged environment, ideal for those who appreciate undeveloped nature.
  • Hikers often pass through this area on their way to Lake Dinah, making it a great spot for those who enjoy a bit of foot traffic and camaraderie.
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, as they can be quite numerous during the warmer months, but the stunning scenery makes it worth it.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near St. Ignatius, Montana

  • Consider visiting Lake Marshall early in the day to secure one of the limited lakeside spots, as it’s a favorite among families.
  • This area is known for its rugged beauty and offers great hiking opportunities nearby, making it perfect for adventurous campers.
  • Remember to bring your own firewood, as it is not provided, and be mindful of the lack of amenities like drinking water and toilets.

Pyramid Lake for dispersed campers

  • The hike to Pyramid Lake is rewarding, featuring a long climb over Pyramid Pass that leads to stunning alpine views.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot various animals, including bears, in this remote area.
  • While cell reception may be spotty, the tranquility and natural beauty of the lake make it an excellent choice for a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are required for dispersed camping in St. Ignatius?

Most dispersed camping near St. Ignatius does not require specific permits, but camping regulations must be followed. At Fish Creek Properties Montana State Park, signs indicate camping is permitted for up to 14 days in a 30-day period. Similarly, at the Peninsula Recreation Area in Lolo National Forest, there's a 6-day stay limit. While permits aren't typically needed, it's recommended to check with the Bureau of Land Management office for updated maps showing designated dispersed camping areas, as regulations can change seasonally. Always verify current rules with the managing agency before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping near St. Ignatius, Montana?

Several dispersed camping options exist near St. Ignatius, Montana. Muchwater Recreation Area offers free camping with pine tree shade right off the highway. The area has decent spots for RVs and group camping, though limited in number. Another option is Rock Creek Dispersed Spot - Lolo, which is the first dispersed camping spot from the Forest Service land entry. Be cautious of high water conditions and narrow bridges when accessing this area. The Bureau of Land Management also permits dispersed camping on select public lands around the region, though you'll need to obtain maps showing exactly where camping is allowed.

Are there any amenities available at dispersed camping sites near St. Ignatius?

Dispersed camping sites near St. Ignatius typically offer minimal amenities. Rainbow Lake Montana State campground provides basic facilities like picnic tables and fire grates at some sites, though the access road is small and difficult to find. At Garnet Ghost Town Dispersed Camping, there are no facilities available for standard dispersed camping, though historic cabin rentals exist. Some areas like Muchwater Recreation Area feature pit toilets. Most dispersed sites have established stone fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own water, food, and waste disposal solutions. Cell service varies by location, with T-Mobile reported as good in some areas. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles when using these minimally developed sites.

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